Heart Rate Based Training System

ABSTRACT

Exercise systems and methods are provided that create and run exercise programs that are custom tailored to individual users. An exercise program for a specific user is based upon the user&#39;s average work heart rate and recovery heart rate. The exercise programs may include a series of workouts for the user to perform. Each workout requires the user to exercise at various intensity levels so that the user&#39;s heart rate moves between different predetermined target heart rate zones. The target heart rate zones are calculated from data relating to the user&#39;s average work heart rate and recovery heart rate. As the user&#39;s fitness level changes, the user&#39;s average work heart rate and recovery heart rate also change. Creation of new exercise programs uses the most current heart rate data to calculate the target heart rate zones, thereby continuously tailoring the exercise programs to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/559,878, filed on Nov. 15, 2011, and entitledHEART RATE BASED TRAINING SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices forexercise. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an exercisetraining program that is based on an exerciser's heart rate.

BACKGROUND

Well designed cardiovascular exercise programs can make exercise moreeffective, efficient, and even enjoyable. There are numerouscardiovascular exercise programs available to help people in theirefforts to reach their health and fitness goals, including increasedcardiovascular fitness, weight loss, or improved performance inendurance sports. Various factors are considered when developing acardiovascular exercise program, such as the type of exercise to beperformed, how much work will be done, and at what intensity trainingwill be most effective. The type of exercise performed is primarily amatter of individual preference. The amount of work done (e.g., thelength of each exercise session) should be reasonable, typically lessthan 60 minutes per day, to avoid overuse injuries and reduce thelikelihood that the exerciser will stop exercising.

One of the more challenging aspects to developing an effectivecardiovascular exercise program is determining the appropriate intensityfor the training. In order to improve the function of the cardiovascularsystem, an individual must experience sufficient stress during exerciseto stimulate adaptations. If training intensity is too low, sufficientoverload is absent; however, if training intensity is too high, risk ofoveruse injury, cardiovascular events, and cessation of exercise areelevated.

A variety of methods have been employed to determine exercise intensitylevels. One method uses percentages of an exerciser's maximum heart. Theexerciser's maximum heart rate is calculated based on the exerciser'sage, such as by subtracting the exerciser's age from 220. The exerciserthen exercises at various intensity levels so that his or her heart rateis equal to certain percentages (e.g., between 60-85%) of theexerciser's maximum heart rate. One readily recognizable limitation ofsuch a system is the lack of individualization of the system to specificexercisers. For instance, not all 40 year old men have a maximum heartrate of 180 beat per minute (i.e., 220-40). One 40 year old man may bequite fit, while another is just beginning a training programmingGeneric exercise programs, including age-predicted maximum heart rateprograms, fail to account for each exerciser's unique fitness level.

Various exercise devices include the ability to monitor an exerciser'sheart rate and adjust the operating parameters based on the detectedheart rate. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,713,171 discloses an exercisedevice that monitors a user's heart rate and adjusts the operatingparameters to maintain the user's heart rate at a constant rate.Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,731 discloses an exercise device thatmonitors a user's heart rate and adjusts the operating parameters if theuser's heart rate is too high. Other exercise devices that monitorand/or adjust operating parameters based on the user's heart rate aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,725, U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,710, U.S. Pat.No. 5,512,025, U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,870, U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,270, U.S.Pat. No. 6,059,692, U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,631, U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,800,U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,537, U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,472, U.S. Pat. No.7,575,536, U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,847, U.S. Pat. No. 7,575,536, U.S. Pat.No. 7,625,315, U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,509, U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,996, U.S.Pat. No. 6,921,351, U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,947, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,062, U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,006, U.S. Pat. No.6,458,060, U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,852, U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,730, U.S. Pat.No. 7,789,800, U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,622, U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,213, andU.S. Pat. No. 7,981,000.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the disclosure, an exercise system includes a movableelement that is movable in the performance of an exercise.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the movable element has at least one selectively adjustable operatingparameter.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exercise system includes a controller that adjusts the at least oneselectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element inorder to increase or decrease the intensity of the exercise and therebyincrease or decrease an exerciser's heart rate into one of a pluralityof target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,each of the plurality of target heart rate zones is calculated usingboth an average work heart rate and a recovery heart rate of theexerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exercise system includes a heart rate monitor that monitors theexerciser's heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the heart rate monitor is worn by the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the controller calculates the plurality of target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the plurality of target heart rate zones comprise four target heart ratezones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, alower limit of a first target heart rate zone of the plurality of targetheart rate zones is calculated by subtracting 40% of the exerciser'srecovery heart rate from the exerciser's average work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,an upper limit of the first target heart rate zone is calculated bysubtracting 30% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from theexerciser's average work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, alower limit of a second target heart rate zone of the plurality oftarget heart rate zones is calculated by subtracting 20% of theexerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser's average work heartrate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,an upper limit of the second target heart rate zone is calculated bysubtracting 15% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from theexerciser's average work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, alower limit of a third target heart rate zone of the plurality of targetheart rate zones is calculated by subtracting 10% of the exerciser'srecovery heart rate from the exerciser's average work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,an upper limit of the third target heart rate zone is calculated bysubtracting 5% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from theexerciser's average work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, alower limit of a fourth target heart rate zone of the plurality oftarget heart rate zones is calculated by adding 5% of the exerciser'srecovery heart rate to the exerciser's average work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,an upper limit of the fourth target heart rate zone is calculated byadding 10% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate to the exerciser'saverage work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the heart rate monitor communicates the exerciser's heart rate to thecontroller.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exerciser's average work heart rate comprises the exerciser'saverage heart rate during a work portion of a fitness evaluation.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exerciser's recovery heart rate is the difference between theexerciser's heart rate at the beginning and end of a recovery portion ofa fitness evaluation.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the controller generates a series of program workouts based on theplurality of target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the series of program workouts may be designed to improve theexerciser's general fitness level, assist the exerciser in weightmanagement, or improve the exerciser's performance in endurance sports.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the controller re-evaluates the exerciser's average work heart rate andrecovery heart rate after a predetermined time period or after theexerciser has performed a predetermined number of workouts.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the controller recalculates the target heart rate zones based upon theexerciser's re-evaluated average work heart rate and recovery heartrate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, amethod for generating and performing exercise program workouts forindividual exercisers includes performing a fitness evaluation of anexerciser, including determining an average work heart rate and arecovery heart rate for the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the method includes generating a series of program workouts based on aselected exercise program and the exerciser's average work heart rateand recovery heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the method includes running one or more program workouts from the seriesof program workouts.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,running one or more program workouts includes adjusting an operatingparameter of an exercise device to increase or decrease an intensitylevel of the workout and thereby increase or decrease the exerciser'sheart rate into one of a plurality of target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the fitness evaluation of an exerciser comprises a warm up portion, awork portion, and a recovery portion.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,determining the average work heart rate of the exerciser comprisesdetermining the average heart rate of the exerciser during the workportion of the fitness evaluation.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,determining the recovery heart rate of the exerciser comprisessubtracting the exerciser's heart rate at the end of the recoveryportion from the exerciser's heart rate at the beginning of the recoveryportion.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,generating the series of program workouts comprises calculating lowerand upper limits of each of the plurality of target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,calculating the lower and upper limits of each of the plurality oftarget heart rate zones comprises adding or subtracting a predeterminedpercentage of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser'saverage work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,generating the series of program workouts comprises identifying awork-to-rest ratio associated with the selected exercise program.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the method includes performing an updated fitness evaluation of theexerciser, including determining an updated average work heart rate andan updated recovery heart rate for the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the method includes calculating updated lower and upper limits for eachof the plurality of target heart rate zones based on the exerciser'supdated average work heart rate and updated recovery heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, acomputer program product, for implementing within an exercise system amethod for enabling the generation and performance of exercise programworkouts for individual exercisers, includes one or more computerreadable storage media having stored thereon computer-executableinstructions.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,when executed by a processor, the one or more computer-executableinstruction cause the exercise system to perform the method for enablingthe generation and performance of exercise program workouts forindividual exercisers.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions cause the exercise system toperform a fitness evaluation of an exerciser, including determining anaverage work heart rate and a recovery heart rate for the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions cause the exercise system togenerate a series of program workouts based on a selected exerciseprogram and the exerciser's average work heart rate and recovery heartrate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions cause the exercise system to runone or more program workouts from the series of program workouts.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,running one or more program workouts includes adjusting an operatingparameter of an exercise device to increase or decrease an intensitylevel of the workout and thereby increase or decrease the exerciser'sheart rate into one of a plurality of target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,generating the series of program workouts comprises identifying awork-to-rest ratio associated with the selected exercise program.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,generating the series of program workouts comprises calculating lowerand upper limits of each of the plurality of target heart rate zones.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,calculating the lower and upper limits of each of the plurality oftarget heart rate zones comprises adding or subtracting a predeterminedpercentage of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser'saverage work heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions cause the exercise system toperform an updated fitness evaluation of the exerciser, includingdetermining an updated average work heart rate and an updated recoveryheart rate for the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions cause the exercise system tocalculate updated lower and upper limits for each of the plurality oftarget heart rate zones based on the exerciser's updated average workheart rate and updated recovery heart rate.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,an exercise device generates exercise program workouts for use with theexercise device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exercise device includes a moveable element that is movable duringthe performance of exercise, the moveable element having one or moreadjustable operating parameters.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exercise device includes one or more processors.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the exercise device includes one or more computer storage devices havingstored thereon computer-executable instructions.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, calculate an average work heart rate of an exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, calculate a recovery heart rate of the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, calculate lower and upper limits of a plurality of targetheart rate zones using both the average work heart rate and the recoveryheart rate of the exerciser.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein,the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the one or moreprocessors and based upon a monitored heart rate of the exerciser, causethe one or more adjustable operating parameters of the moveable elementto be adjusted in order to increase or decrease an intensity level of anexercise performed by the exerciser and thereby cause the exerciser'sheart rate to increase or decrease into one of the plurality of targetheart rate zones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise device according toone example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 with an exerciserexercising thereon.

FIG. 3 is schematic representation of an exercise system according toone example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a process for creating, using,and updating individualized exercise programs.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a process for performing afitness evaluation of an exerciser.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a process for generatingexercise program workouts.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a process for performingexercise program workouts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and devices forimproving cardiovascular fitness. Depicted in FIG. 1 is a representationof one illustrative exercise device 10, which may incorporate the novelfeatures of the present invention, including various novel devices,functionalities, hardware and software modules, and the like. As shown,exercise device 10 is depicted as a treadmill and includes a console orcontrol panel 12 supported on a generally upright support structure 14.Upright support structure 14, in this illustrated embodiment, includestwo side members 16, 18 connected to a base frame 20. Side members 16,18 and base frame 20 may have various configurations and may befabricated from various materials so long as they are capable ofsupporting control panel 12.

A treadbase 22 is connected to support structure 14 and typicallyincludes front and rear pulleys 24, 26 with a continuous belt 28extending between and around front and rear pulleys 24, 26,respectively. Treadbase 22, front and rear pulleys 24, 26, andcontinuous belt 28 may be considered, individually or collectively, asmovable elements that are movable during the performance of an exercise.A deck 30, commonly fabricated from wood, typically supports the upperrun of belt 28 and an exercising individual positioned upon belt 28.

As is common with electric treadmills, at least one of front pulley 24and rear pulley 26 may be mechanically connected to an electric beltdrive motor 32. In the illustrated embodiment, belt drive motor 36 turnsfront or rear pulley 24, 26 in order to rotate belt 28. Belt drive motor32 is electrically connected to a controller 34 that controls theoperation of belt drive motor 32, and thus the speed of belt 28, inresponse to various inputs. The speed of belt 28 is one example of anadjustable operating parameter of exercise device 10.

Controller 34 can be incorporated within treadbase 22, control panel 12,or another portion of exercise device 10. Controller 34 may take theform of a computer, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller,state machine or other similar device that includes circuitry forcontrolling the operation of one or more features on exercise device 10,including the operating parameter(s) of the movable element(s). As willbe discussed in greater detail below, controller 34 may also performother functions, such as evaluating an exerciser's fitness level andgenerating and running exercise program workouts. Controller 34 may alsoinclude one or more computer readable media or devices that havecomputer executable instructions stored thereon.

In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed of belt 28,exercise device 10 may also permit the degree of incline of treadbase 22relative to base frame 20, the floor, or other support surface uponwhich exercise device 10 rests, to be varied. For instance, treadbase 22can be oriented in a neutral position, an inclined position, or adeclined position. In the neutral position, treadbase 22 is generallyparallel to the support surface, as shown in FIG. 2. In the inclinedposition, the front portion of treadbase 22 (e.g., the end of treadbase22 adjacent to support structure 14) is vertically higher than the rearportion of treadbase 22 to enable an exerciser to simulate walking orrunning up a hill. Similarly, in a declined position the front portionof treadbase 22 is vertically lower than the rear portion of treadbase22 to enable an exerciser to simulate walking or running down a hill.

The inclining and declining capabilities of treadbase 22 provideexercise device 10 with additional operating parameters that may beadjusted to vary the intensity of exercises performed on exercise device10. The inclination and declination of treadbase 22 can be accomplishedthrough the use of various inclination mechanisms. One exampleinclination mechanism includes an extension mechanism 36 connectedbetween support structure 14 and treadbase 22. Extension mechanism 36includes an incline motor 38 that may be controllable by controller 34to cause an extension member 40 of extension mechanism 36 to extend orretract in order to move treadbase 22 between the declines, neutral, andinclined positions.

With continued attention to FIG. 1, attention is now directed to FIG. 2,which illustrates an exerciser exercising on exercise device 10. As canbe seen in FIG. 2, the exerciser is wearing a heart rate monitor 42.Heart rate monitor 42 may detect the exerciser's heart rate or pulse(commonly referred to herein as “heart rate”). Heart rate monitor 42 maybe any sensing mechanism capable of detecting the exerciser's heart rateor pulse, including electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors, pulse oximeters,photoreflectance or infrared sensor monitors, and the like. Heart ratemonitor 42 may communicate the detected heart rate to exercise device10. Such communication may be via a wired or wireless (e.g., infrared,Bluetooth, etc.) connection.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram showing the functional relationshipsbetween heart rate monitor 42, controller 34, belt drive motor 32,incline motor 38, and a display 44 associated with control panel 12.Heart rate monitor 42 is communicatively connected to controller 34 suchthat heart rate monitor 42 may communicate an exerciser's heart rate tocontroller 34. Based on the exerciser's heart rate, controller 34 mayperform various functions. For instance, as discussed in greater detailbelow, controller 34 may determine that the exerciser's heart rate isabove, below, or within a target heart rate zone. When controller 34determines that the exerciser's heart rate is outside the target heartrate zone, controller 34 may send one or more commands to belt drivemotor 32 and/or incline motor 38 to adjust the speed of belt 28 and/orthe incline of treadbase 22, thereby adjusting the intensity of theexercise performed by the exerciser. By adjusting the intensity of theexercise (increasing/decreasing the speed of belt 28 and/or the inclineof treadbase 22), exercise device 10 may help bring the exerciser'sheart rate into the target heart rate zone. Controller 34 may alsocommunicate with display 44 so that display 44 may display informationto the exerciser. Such information may include the target heart ratezone, the exerciser's actual heart rate, the speed of belt 28, theincline of treadbase 22, and the like.

The following portion of the description will focus primarily on theprocess for creating, using, and updating individually tailored exerciseprograms. This process includes determining the appropriate intensitylevels at which an individual should exercise to achieve the highestlevel of success. As noted elsewhere herein, creating exercise programsspecifically tailored to each individual enables more effective,efficient, and safer exercise, thereby leading to better results foreach individual.

FIG. 4 illustrates general components of a process 50 for creating,using, and updating individualized exercise programs. Following a briefoverview of the components of process 50 in connection with FIG. 4,certain aspects of process 50 will be discussed in greater detail inconnection with FIGS. 5-7.

Process 50 includes a fitness evaluation 52 that assesses variousaspects of the exerciser's current fitness level. For instance, fitnessevaluation 52 assesses the exerciser's cardiovascular fitness bymonitoring certain aspects of the exerciser's heart rate under certainconditions. The assessed aspects of the exerciser's heart rate are laterused to generate exercise workouts to be performed by the exerciser, aswill be discussed in greater detail below.

At step 54, process 50 allows an exerciser to select the type of workoutprogram he or she would like to perform. Display 44 may present theavailable workout programs to the exerciser and the exerciser may selectthe desired workout program using an input (e.g., button, touch-screen,etc.) on control panel 12. The types of programs available for selectionby the exerciser may include, among others, a general fitness program56, a weight management program 58, and a peak performance program 60.Each of these programs may be designed to help exercisers achievecertain fitness goals, whether those goals include losing weight,improving endurance sport performance, or simply improving one's overallfitness level.

General fitness program 56, for instance, may be designed to helpexercisers increase their cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and health,even when training time is limited or exercisers want to avoidaggressive cardiovascular training. Workouts in general fitness program56 may range from about twenty minutes to about sixty minutes and mayutilize work-to-rest ratios ranging from about 1:2 to about 1:4 (e.g.,for every minute of higher intensity work, there is between about 2 toabout 4 minutes of rest/lower intensity work). General fitness program56 workouts may adjust various operating parameters of exercise device10 to vary the intensity level during each workout in order to keep theexerciser's heart rate within various target heart rate zones throughoutthe workout. For instance, a general fitness program 56 workout may varyone or more of the speed, incline, and resistance of exercise device 10to adjust the intensity of a workout.

Weight management program 58 is designed to assist in proper weightcontrol or weight loss by helping exercisers burn calories and increasefitness to sustain active lifestyles. While diet has a significantimpact on weight loss, long-term weight management is highly dependenton consistent exercise and good cardiovascular fitness. Accordingly,weight management program 58 is designed to help exercisers stayconsistent with their exercise habits and burn calories contributing toweight loss or the prevention of weight gain. Workouts in weightmanagement program 58 may range from about twenty minutes to aboutforty-five minutes and may utilize work-to-rest ratios ranging fromabout 1:2 to about 1:4, primarily using a work-to-rest ratio of about1:3. While speeds may be adjusted, weight management program 58 workoutsmainly use adjustments to incline or resistance on exercise device 10 tovary the intensity levels during workouts in order to keep theexerciser's heart rate within various target heart rate zones throughoutthe workout. In other words, weight management program 58 workouts maykeep speeds relatively low, while increasing or decreasing the inclineor resistance operating parameters of exercise device 10 in order toadjust the intensity levels of the workout.

Peak performance program 60 is designed for recreational and competitiveendurance athletes to help them achieve their highest fitness andoptimal performance physiology. Peak performance program 60 may be ahighly demanding and coordinated training routine that will pushexercisers to reach the highest physiological performance. Peakperformance program 60 workouts may range from about twenty minutes toabout sixty minutes with work-to-rest ratios ranging from about 1:1 toabout 1:3. Speed and incline/resistance may be varied to adjust theintensity levels during workouts in order to keep the exerciser's heartrate within various target heart rate zones throughout the workout.However, speeds are typically kept relatively high.

In light of the disclosure herein, it understood that the variousworkout programs may differ from one another in order to help anexerciser achieve his or her specific goals. Thus, depending on thefitness goals, the workout programs may differ in their length,work-to-rest ratios, and intensity levels/target heart rate zones. Forinstance, peak performance program 60 workouts may be longer, with moretime spent in higher intensity target heart rate zones, and may usehigher speeds than the other workout programs. In contrast, weightmanagement program 58 workouts may use higher inclines or greaterresistance to move the exerciser's heart rate between the target heartrate zones since higher inclines and greater resistances result ingreater calorie burn.

With fitness evaluation 52 completed and the type of workout program(e.g., 56, 58, 60) selected, program workouts are generated at step 62.Generation of program workouts 62 creates a six month progression orseries of workouts for the exerciser to perform based on the type ofexercise program the exerciser selected and the exerciser's currentfitness level as determined by fitness evaluation 52. The series ofworkouts may include 20 workouts per month. Training stress may bealtered from workout to workout, week to week, and month to month. Atthe end of the six month sequence, process 50 can begin again. Whileeach program may provide enough workouts for six months of exercise,exercisers that exercise more frequently may complete the series ofworkouts in less than six months. Such exercisers can simply beginprocess 50 again whenever they complete the previous series of workouts.

Once the workouts have been generated, the exerciser then performs oneor more of the series of generated workouts (e.g., step 64). Asdiscussed elsewhere herein, performing the workouts includes exercisingon exercise device 10 at various intensity levels so that theexerciser's heart rate moves between various target heart rate zones.

After completing a certain number of generated workouts (e.g., 20workouts) or after a given time period (e.g., one month from the timefitness evaluation 52 is completed), an updated fitness evaluation 66 isperformed to reassess the exerciser's fitness level. Updated fitnessevaluation 66 can be similar or identical to fitness evaluation 52.Specifically, updated fitness evaluation 66 may assess the exerciser'scardiovascular fitness by monitoring the same aspects of the exerciser'sheart rate under the same conditions as fitness evaluation 52. Based onthe results of updated fitness evaluation 66, the previously generatedworkouts are updated or new workouts are generated for the exerciser toperform, as indicated at 68.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5, which illustrates a functionalblock diagram depicting various exemplary aspects of fitness evaluation52. The following description of fitness evaluation 52 may also beequally applicable to updated fitness evaluation 66. In other words,updated fitness evaluation 66 may include the same or similar componentsand features as fitness evaluation 52.

According to the present embodiment, fitness evaluation 52 includesthree primary components, namely, a warm-up portion 70, a work portion72, and a recovery portion 74, which an exerciser performs on exercisedevice 10. Fitness evaluation 52 is designed to assess certain aspectsof the exerciser's cardiovascular fitness. Accordingly, during fitnessevaluation 52, the exerciser wears heart rate monitor 42 so that theexerciser's heart rate may be monitored, as shown in FIG. 2.

Fitness evaluation 52 begins with warm-up portion 70 during which theexerciser progressively works into an exercise mode, such as byprogressively increasing the speed of belt 28. Warm-up portion 70 lastsfor a relatively short time period, such as about three minutes.

At the end of warm-up portion 70, the exerciser begins work portion 72.During work portion 72, the exerciser's goal is to go as far as possibleor exercise at the highest sustainable rate. For instance, an exerciserthat is in excellent physical shape may be able to run three miles onexercise device 10 during work portion 72, while an exerciser that is inpoor shape may be able to walk on exercise device 10 less than one mileduring work portion 72. Accordingly, the exerciser can adjust theoperating parameters of exercise device 10, such as the speed of belt28, as desired to enable the exerciser to go as far as he or she can orat his or her highest sustainable rate during work portion 72. Theduration of work portion 72 may be adjusted, but according to someembodiments work portion 72 lasts for about twenty minutes.

During work portion 72, heart rate monitor 42 monitors the exerciser'sheart rate. At the end of work portion 72, the exerciser's average heartrate during work portion 72 (also referred to as the exerciser's averagework heart rate or AWHR) is calculated. Heart rate monitor 42 maycalculate the exerciser's average work heart rate and then communicatethe exerciser's average work heart rate to controller 34. Alternatively,heart rate monitor 42 may continuously or intermittently monitor theexerciser's heart rate during work portion 72 and communicate this datato controller 34, which may calculate the exerciser's average work heartrate.

Upon completion of work portion 72, the exerciser finishes fitnessevaluation 52 with recovery portion 74. During recovery portion 74, theexerciser slows to a very slow pace, such as less than about two milesper hour, for a period of recovery. In one embodiment, recovery portion74 lasts for about two minutes. Upon completion of recovery portion 74,the exerciser's recovery heart rate or RHR is calculated. Theexerciser's recovery heart rate is the difference between theexerciser's heart rate at the beginning of recovery portion 74 and atthe end of recovery portion 74. For instance, if the exerciser's heartrate drops from 180 beats per minute (bpm) at the beginning of recoveryportion 74 to 110 bpm at the end of recovery portion 74, the exerciser'srecovery heart rate is 70 bpm (e.g., 180−110=70).

Fitness evaluation 52 provides at least two key fitness indicators,namely, the total distance traveled during work portion 72 and therecovery heart rate. The following Table 1 can be used to help evaluatean exerciser's fitness level with either of these indicators. Forinstance, if the exerciser is able to run more than 3.4 miles duringwork portion 72 or if his or her recovery heart rate is greater than 90bpm (e.g., heart rate drops by more than 90 bpm during recovery portion74), the exerciser is likely in superior physical condition. Incontrast, if the exerciser is able to go less than one mile during workportion 72 or if his or her recovery heart rate is less than 45 bpm(e.g., heart rate drops by less than 45 bpm during recovery portion 74),the exerciser is likely in poor physical condition. In addition toproviding a general evaluation of an exerciser's fitness level, and asdiscussed below, the exerciser's recovery heart rate is also used ingenerating the workouts to be performed.

TABLE 1 Rating Distance (miles) Recovery Heart Rate Poor  0-1.0  0-45Average 1.1-1.9 46-60 Good 2.0-2.8 61-75 Excellent 2.9-3.4 76-90Superior >3.4 >90

As noted above, once fitness evaluation 52 is completed and theexerciser has selected the type of exercise program to be performed, theseries of workout are generated (FIG. 4, step 62). FIG. 6 illustrates aflow diagram of various example aspects of the generation of programworkouts 62. In the illustrated embodiment, generation of programworkouts 62 includes identifying the workout program (e.g., generalfitness program 56, weight management program 58, peak performance 60)selected by the exerciser as well as retrieving the exerciser's heartrate information obtained during fitness evaluation 52, as indicated inFIG. 6 at reference numbers 76 and 78, respectively.

The exerciser's heart rate information obtained during fitnessevaluation 52 is used to calculate target heart rate zones for theseries of workouts, as indicated at reference number 80. As notedherein, other heart rate based fitness systems use generic heart ratesor heart rate zones, such as age-predictive or other non-individualizedheart rates/zones, when establishing a training program. In contrast,embodiments of the present invention use data specific to each exerciserwhen generating workouts. As a result, the workouts generated accordingto the present invention are custom tailored to each exerciser.

According to the present embodiment, four target heart rate zones, Z₀,Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, are used in generating the series of workouts. As shown inFIG. 6 at reference numbers 82, 84, 86, 88, target heart rate zones, Z₀,Z₁, Z₂, Z₃ are calculated using unique combinations of each exerciser'saverage work heart rate (AWHR) and recovery heart rate (RHR). Forinstance, the upper and lower limits of each target heart rate zone maybe calculated by subtracting or adding a certain percentage of theexerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser's average work heartrate.

For instance, according to the present embodiment, an upper limit oftarget heart rate zone Z₀ may be calculated by subtracting 30% of theexerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser's average work heartrate. A lower limit of target heart rate zone Z₀ may be calculated bysubtracting 40% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from theexerciser's average work heart rate. The upper and lower limits oftarget heart rate zone Z₁ may be calculated by subtracting 15% and 20%of the exerciser's recovery heart rate, respectively, from theexerciser's average work heart rate. Similarly, the upper and lowerlimits of target heart rate zone Z₂ may be calculated by subtracting 5%and 10% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate, respectively, from theexerciser's average work heart rate.

In calculating the upper and lower limits for target heart rate zone Z₃,certain percentages of the exerciser's recovery heart rate are added tothe exerciser's average work heart rate rather than being subtractedtherefrom. According to the present embodiment, for instance, 10% of theexerciser's recovery heart rate is added to the exerciser's average workheart rate to determine the upper limit for target heart rate zone Z₃.Similarly, 5% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate is added to theexerciser's average work heart rate to determine the lower limit fortarget heart rate zone Z₃.

By way of example, the upper and lower limits of target heart rate zonesZ₀, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃ for an exerciser that has an average work heart rate of180 bpm and a recovery heart rate of 70 bpm are calculated as follows:

Target Heart Rate Zone Z₀

-   -   Lower Limit: 180−(70·40%)=152    -   Upper Limit: 180−(70·30%)=159

Target Heart Rate Zone Z₁

-   -   Lower Limit: 180−(70·20%)=166    -   Upper Limit: 180−(70·15%)=170

Target Heart Rate Zone Z₂

-   -   Lower Limit: 180−(70·10%)=173    -   Upper Limit: 180−(70·5%)=177

Target Heart Rate Zone Z₃

-   -   Lower Limit: 180+(70·5%)=184    -   Upper Limit: 180+(70·10%)=187

As indicated in FIG. 6 at reference number 90, generation of programworkouts 62 also includes mapping out the target heart rate zones foreach of the series of program workouts. In discussing the mapping out oftarget heart rate zones for each workout, reference will be made toAppendices A, B, and C, which are attached hereto. Appendices A, B, andC include examples of workouts generated via generation of programworkouts 62. For instance, Appendix A includes tables of exampleworkouts for general fitness program 56. Similarly, Appendix B includestables of example workouts for weight management program 58 and AppendixC includes tables of example workouts for peak performance program 60.Each Appendix includes six months of workouts, with twenty workouts foreach month.

Each workout has the exerciser exercise at multiple intensity levels tovary the exerciser's heart rate as he or she exercises. For instance,each workout may include a warm up portion 92, a work portion 94, and acool down portion 96. Warm up portion 92 may begin by having theexerciser exercise at a relatively low intensity level that will beginto raise the exerciser's heart rate. By way of example, each of theworkouts in Appendices A, B, and C includes a five minute warm upportion. These warm up portions begin by having the exerciser exercisefor two minutes at an intensity that will raise the exerciser's heartrate into target heart rate zone Z₀. The warm up portions then have theexerciser exercise for three minutes at an intensity that will raise theexerciser's heart rate into target heart rate zone Z₁. Thus, accordingto some embodiments, warm up portion 92 utilizes target heart rate zonesZ₀ and Z₁.

After warm up portion 92, each workout includes a work portion 94 thathas the exerciser exercise at higher intensity levels, which aredesigned to help the exerciser achieve his or her fitness goals.According to the present embodiment, work portion 92 utilizes targetheart rate zones Z₂ and Z₃. For instance, the work portion of the firstworkout from month one of general fitness program 56 shown in Appendix Aalternates between target heart rate zones Z₂ and Z₃. According to thesample workout, target heart rate zones Z₂ and Z₃ are alternated at awork-to-rest ratio of 1:4. That is, for every minute of exercise intarget heart rate zone Z₃, the workout includes four minutes of exercisein target heart rate zone Z₃.

When included, cool down portion 96 may reduce the intensity level ofthe exercise to allow the exerciser to gradually reduce his or her heartrate and recover from work portion 94. For instance, cool down portion96 may include two minutes of exercise at target heart rate zone Z₁followed by one minute of exercise at target heart rate zone Z₀.

Upon review of the workouts in Appendices A, B, and C, it is noted thatthe characteristics of the workouts may vary from workout to workout andfrom month to month. For instance, the work-to-rest ratio from workoutto workout may vary. As noted above, for instance, the work-to-restratios for the general fitness program 56 workouts may vary from 1:1 to1:4. The work-to-rest ratio for each workout is indicated at the bottomof each table. In addition to varying the work-to-rest ratio, the lengthof the workouts can be varied. As seen in the sample workouts, thelength of the workouts can be varied by adding or removing one or morework-to-rest cycles from work portion 94.

By varying the work-to-rest ratio and/or the length of the workouts, thedemand of the workouts may be varied. The demand of each workout may bea representation of the work required to perform the workout. Accordingto the present embodiment, the demand for each workout may be calculatedby adding the numerical values of the target heart rate zones (e.g.,Z₀=0, Z₁=1, Z₂=2, Z₃=3) in the workout. For instance, the first workoutfrom month one of general fitness program 56 shown in Appendix Aincludes two minutes in zone Z₀, three minutes in zone Z₁, twelveminutes in zone Z₂, and two minutes in zone Z₃. Accordingly, the demandfor this workout may be calculated as:

(2·0)+(3·1)+(12·2)+(2·3)=33

As seen in the sample workouts, the workout demands may change from dayto day and month to month. Varying and progressively increasing theworkout demands results in an increase in the exerciser's fitness levelas well as compensates for the exerciser's improved fitness level. Inother words, varying and increasing the workout demands helps to improvethe exerciser's fitness level and continues to push the exerciser toever higher fitness levels.

As indicated at reference number 64 in FIG. 4, with the series ofprogram workouts generated, an exerciser may begin to perform theworkouts by exercising on exercise device 10. FIG. 7 illustrates a flowdiagram of various example aspects of performing the workouts. Exercisedevice 10 may allow an exerciser to create a profile so that exercisedevice 10 may track the exerciser's progress through the series ofworkouts, such as which exercise workouts the user has alreadycompleted.

As indicated at 96, each time the exerciser exercises, the exerciser mayselect his or her profile on exercise device 10. Exercise device 10 maythen identify the appropriate workout for the exerciser to perform, asindicated at reference number 102. For instance, when the exerciserfirst begins an exercise program, exercise device 10 may identify thatthe exerciser should perform the first workout in month one of theseries of workouts. On the other hand, since exercise device 10 maytrack the exerciser's progress through the series of workouts, exercisedevice 10 may know that the exerciser has already performed, forexample, the first five workouts in month one. In such a situation,exercise device 10 may identify workout six from month one for theexerciser to perform.

Upon identification of the appropriate workout, exercise device 10 mayrun the identified workout, as indicated at reference number 104. Aspart of running a workout, exercise device 10, by way of or incombination with heart rate monitor 42, monitors the exerciser's heartrate, as indicated at reference number 106.

In addition to monitoring the exerciser's heart rate, exercise device 10also adjusts the operating parameters of the movable elements ofexercise device 10, as indicated at reference number 108. Exercisedevice 10 adjusts the operating parameters in order to vary theintensity level of the workout, and thereby move the exerciser's heartrate into the appropriate target heart rate zone. In other words, if anexerciser's heart rate should be in a certain target heart rate zone ata particular time in the workout, exercise device 10 may adjust theoperating parameters of the movable elements in order to increase ordecrease the exerciser's heart rate into the certain target heart ratezone. Thus, for example, when moving an exerciser between target heartrate zones Z₂ and Z₃, exercise device 10 may increase the speed of belt28, the incline of treadbase 22, or a combination thereof, to increasethe exerciser's heart rate from the target heart rate zone Z₂ level tothe target heart rate zone Z₃ level. Thus, exercise device 10 may varythe operating parameters as needed in order to adjust the intensitylevels of the workout so that the exerciser's heart rate is moved intoand/or remains in the specified target heart rate zone.

At any point during the workout, the exerciser may override theoperating parameters of exercise device 10, as indicated at referencenumber 110. For instance, if an exerciser becomes overly fatigued duringa workout, the exerciser can cause exercise device 10 to adjust theoperating parameters to reduce the level of intensity of the workout.The exerciser can, for example, activate one or more inputs on controlpanel 12 that cause the speed of belt 28 or the incline of treadbase 22to decrease.

At the completion of each workout, the exerciser's profile may beupdated, as indicated at reference number 112. Updating the exerciser'sprofile may include recording the completion of the workout, the datethe workout was performed, and other data relating to the exerciser'sperformance of the workout.

Periodically an updated fitness evaluation 66 is performed to reassessthe exerciser's fitness level, as shown in FIG. 4. As indicated above,updated fitness evaluation 66 may be similar or identical to fitnessevaluation 52. Accordingly, updated fitness evaluation 66 may assess theexerciser's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate, as well asthe exerciser's fitness level as indicated by the distance the exerciseris able to go during the work portion of the fitness evaluation.

According to the present embodiment, updated fitness evaluation 66 isinitially performed after the earlier of the exerciser's completion ofthe first month's workouts (e.g., first twenty workouts) or one monthafter fitness evaluation 52. Subsequently, updated fitness evaluation 66is performed after the earlier of the exerciser's completion of the mostrecent month's workouts or one month after the last performance ofupdated fitness evaluation 66. In other words, an updated fitnessevaluation 66 may be performed at least monthly or sooner if theexerciser completes all of the workouts from the previous month early.

Accordingly, prior to or simultaneously with identifying the appropriateworkout for the exerciser to perform, as indicated at reference number102 in FIG. 7, exercise device 10 may determine whether the exerciserhas completed all of the workouts for the previous month or if it hasbeen at least one month since fitness evaluation 52 or updated fitnessevaluation 66 was performed. If the exerciser has completed all of theworkouts from the previous month or if it has been at least one monthsince the performance of fitness evaluation 52 or updated fitnessevaluation 66, exercise device 10 may indicate to the exerciser that anupdated fitness evaluation 66 needs to be performed before advancingthrough the series of workouts.

Periodically performing an updated fitness evaluation 66 allows theexerciser's fitness level to be monitored and the program workoutstailored to help the exerciser achieve his or her fitness goals in asafe manner. For instance, regularly reassessing the exerciser's fitnesslevel enables the program workouts to be tailored to the exerciser'scurrent fitness level. As a result, the intensity levels of the programworkouts may be set at levels that sufficiently push the exerciser tohigher fitness level while avoiding intensity levels that are unsafe orbeyond the exerciser's current abilities.

The information obtained during updated fitness evaluation 66 (e.g., theexerciser's new average work heart rate and new recovery heart rate) isused to update the previously generated workout programs or to generatenew workout programs, as indicated at reference number 68 in FIG. 4.Updating or generating program workouts at step 68 may includerecalculating the exerciser's target heart rate zones. By way ofexample, if after a month of workouts, an exerciser's average work heartrate has increased from 180 bpm to 190 bpm and the exerciser's recoveryheart rate has increased from 70 bpm to 78 bpm, then the exerciser'starget heart rate zones would likewise increase. The following Table 2provides a comparison between the example exerciser's old target heartrate zones and the example exerciser's new target heart rate zones,which are calculated in the same manner as discussed above (e.g., addingor subtracting certain percentages of the recovery heart rate from theaverage work heart rate).

TABLE 2 Old Target Heart Rate Zones New Target Heart Rate Zones ZoneLower Limit Upper Limit Lower Limit Upper Limit Z₀ 152 159 159 167 Z₁166 170 174 178 Z₂ 173 177 182 186 Z₃ 184 187 194 198

As can be seen in Table 2, as the exerciser's cardiovascular fitnessimproves (as indicated by a higher average work heart rate and higherrecovery heart rate), the target heart rate zones increase. In additionto the improvement in the exerciser's cardiovascular fitness resultingfrom the exerciser's progression through the series of workouts, theexerciser's cardiovascular fitness improvement may also result fromactivities not performed on exercise device 10. For instance, suchactivities as going for a jog around town, riding a bike, playingtennis, and the like, may all contribute to improved cardiovascularfitness. When reassessing the exerciser's cardiovascular fitness level,updated fitness evaluation 66 will account for all of the activities theexerciser has performed, not just the performance of the programworkouts.

With the newly calculated target heart rate zones, the exerciser maycontinue to perform the series of program workouts. If the exerciser'scardiovascular fitness level has improved, the target heart rate zonesfor the next month of workouts will be higher than the previous months,as indicated in Table 2. As a result, exercise device 10 will increasethe intensity level of the workouts (via changes in the operatingparameters) in order move the exerciser's heart rate into the highertarget heart rate zones. Alternatively, if the exerciser'scardiovascular fitness level has decreased, as a result of notperforming enough exercise in the previous month, exercise device 10will decrease the intensity level of the workouts (via changes in theoperating parameters) in order move the exerciser's heart rate into thelower target heart rate zones.

Because the target heart rate zones are altered based on the exerciser'scurrent cardiovascular fitness level, the exerciser may go throughprocess 50 repeatedly. Each time the exerciser goes through process 50,the program workouts will be tailored to the exerciser's fitness level,thereby continuing to challenge the exerciser and improve his or hercardiovascular fitness level. In other words, process 50 is a selfupdating process that provides program workouts tailored to individualexercisers so that the intensity levels of the workouts are appropriatefor the exerciser regardless of how many times the exerciser has gonethrough process 50.

Many of the aspects described above may be automated using a computingdevice. For instance, exercise device 10 may include a special purposeor general-purpose computing device, including various computerhardware. Controller 34 may be one example of such a computing device.Embodiments of the present invention may also include computer-readablemedia (devices) for carrying or having computer-executable instructionsor data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can beany available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computing device. By way of example only, such computer-readablemedia can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”)(e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), othertypes of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used tocarry or store desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computing device.

As used herein, computer-executable instructions may include, forexample, instructions and data which, when executed, cause a generalpurpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purposeprocessing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries,intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or evensource code. Although the subject matter has been described in languagespecific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to beunderstood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to exercisesystems, devices, and methods that enable an exerciser to exercise moreeffectively and efficiently. The systems, devices, and methods of thepresent disclosure evaluate an exerciser's cardiovascular fitness andcreate exercise programs that are custom tailored to each individualexerciser, rather than employing a generic fitness evaluation thatlikely will not accurately reflect the exerciser's actual fitness level.

For instance, in one embodiment, an exerciser's cardiovascular fitnesslevel is evaluated by monitoring the exerciser's heart rate during anevaluation exercise session. After a short warm-up period (e.g., abouttwo or three minutes), the exerciser exercises for a given work period,such as twenty minutes, and the exerciser's average heart rate iscalculated for the work period. At the end of the work period, theexerciser continues to exercise at a very low rate during a cool downperiod. At the end of the cool down period, the exerciser's recoveryheart rate is calculated. The exerciser's recovery heart rate iscalculated by determining the difference between the exerciser's heartrate at the beginning of the cool down and at the end of the cool downperiod.

The exerciser's average work period heart rate and recovery heart rateare indicators of the exerciser's cardiovascular fitness level.Accordingly, the systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosureuse the exerciser's average work period heart rate and recovery heartrate to create customized workouts that are tailored for the specificexerciser at the exerciser's current cardiovascular fitness level. Morespecifically, the exerciser's average work heart rate and recovery heartrate are both used to determine the proper exercise intensity at whichthe exerciser should exercise.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a series of workouts for theexerciser to perform. The demand required by the series of workouts mayvary from workout to workout, week to week, and month to month.Additionally, the series of workouts may include enough workouts for agiven period of time, such as six months. At periodic points during theseries of workouts, the exerciser's cardiovascular fitness level may bereevaluated and the workouts adjusted so that the intensity levels ofthe workouts are commensurate with the exerciser's current fitnesslevel.

Each workout requires the exerciser to exercise at various intensitylevels so that the exerciser's heart rate moves between differentpredetermined target heart rate zones. The target heart rate zones arecalculated from data relating to the exerciser's cardiovascular fitnesslevel. Specifically, the target heart rate zones are calculated usingboth the exerciser's average work heart rate and the exerciser'srecovery heart rate.

While embodiments of the invention have been described in the context ofa motorized treadmill, it is understood that the invention is notlimited to any particular type of exercise device. Accordingly, the term“exercise device” shall refer broadly to any type of device that takesthe form of an exercise machine, including, but not limited to,treadmills, exercise cycles, Nordic style ski exercise devices, rowers,steppers, hikers, climbers, and elliptical or striding exercise devices.These various types of exercise devices may include adjustable operatingparameters similar to those described above (e.g., speed, incline,etc.). Additionally, these exercise devices may also have adjustableoperating parameters such as resistance to the movement of a movableelement (e.g., belt, pedal, link arm, etc.). Accordingly, these variousoperating parameters may be adjusted in order to change the intensitylevel of a workout as described herein.

The effectiveness of the disclosed cardiovascular training system wascompared to that of two other cardiovascular training systems. Incomparing the three systems, a ten week trial was conducted with ninetyadults, both men and women, between the ages of 18-45. The participantsrepresented a range of fitness abilities from untrained to competitiveendurance athletes. The participants were divided into three groups. Inall, each group was a fairly representative sample of the surroundingcommunity and not substantially different from the other groups.

During the trial, the first group used the presently disclosedcardiovascular training system, the second group used a metabolic basedtraining system based on anaerobic threshold, and the third group usedan age-predicted heart rate training system. Each group performedexercises according to the system to which they were assigned, training3-5 days per week, 20-60 minutes per day for 10 weeks. All of theparticipants were required to adhere to the exercise programs exactly asoutlined and to follow an individually developed nutrition programmed.Thus, the only significant difference between the three groups was theexercise system being employed.

The training that each group performed over the ten weeks was dependanton the training system to which they were assigned. The first groupperformed a combination of the three programs described above (e.g.,general fitness, weight management, and peak performance). Theage-predicted group followed recommendations from the American Collegeof Sports Medicine (ACSM) for training with heart rate zones calculatedat 60-85% of an age-predicted heart rate. The metabolic training groupwas tested on an iMett metabolic cart and then followed training zonesbased on anaerobic threshold.

Before and after the ten week training programs, fitness testing wasconducted to examine the difference in fitness development. Metabolictesting to examine a variety of different fitness variables wasconducted and statistical evaluation was conducted to compare thedifferent training programs. The tests included:

-   -   Two-minute recovery heart rate—a measure of how fast heart rate        drops after stopping a fitness test. The faster the heart rate        drops, the better the fitness.    -   Ventilatory threshold—a measure of when the body changes        predominantly from an aerobic energy source to an anaerobic        energy source. The higher the exercise intensity when this        occurs, the better the fitness. Heart rate, power, and oxygen        consumption were measured at ventilatory threshold to allow for        multiple measures surrounding this variable.    -   Maximum aerobic power—a measure of how much power the exerciser        can produce at peak capacity

The data collected during the trial study demonstrated that thecardiovascular training system described herein resulted in greaterweight loss and improvements in fitness than the other two programs. Forinstance, the presently disclosed system resulted in 54% greater weightloss than the metabolic training and 42% more than the age-predictedtraining. The presently disclosed system also resulted in 124% greaterimprovement in recovery heart rate than the metabolic training and 115%greater improvement than the age-predicted training. Additionally, thepresently disclosed system lead to a 159% greater improvement in heartrate at ventilatory threshold compared to the metabolic training and162% greater improvement than the age-predicted training. Further, thepresently disclosed system also leads to an 82% greater change inmaximum aerobic power as compared to the metabolic training and 83% morethan the age-predicted training. Still further, the presently disclosedsystem lead to a 99% greater improvement in oxygen consumption atventilatory threshold than the metabolic training and 112% more than theage-predicted training. Moreover, the presently disclosed systemresulted in a 118% improvement in power at ventilatory threshold ascompared to the metabolic training and 183% greater than theage-predicted training.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise system, comprising: a movable elementthat is movable in the performance of an exercise, the movable elementhaving at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter; and acontroller that adjusts the at least one selectively adjustableoperating parameter of the movable element in order to increase ordecrease the intensity of the exercise and thereby increase or decreasean exerciser's heart rate into one of a plurality of target heart ratezones, wherein each of the plurality of target heart rate zones iscalculated using both an average work heart rate and a recovery heartrate of the exerciser.
 2. The exercise system of claim 1, furthercomprising a heart rate monitor that monitors the exerciser's heartrate.
 3. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein the heart rate monitoris worn by the exerciser.
 4. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller calculates the plurality of target heart rate zones.
 5. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of target heart ratezones comprises four target heart rate zones.
 6. The exercise system ofclaim 1, wherein the heart rate monitor communicates the exerciser'sheart rate to the controller.
 7. The exercise system of claim 1, whereinthe exerciser's average work heart rate comprises the exerciser'saverage heart rate during a work portion of a fitness evaluation.
 8. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein a lower limit of a first targetheart rate zone of the plurality of target heart rate zones iscalculated by subtracting 40% of the exerciser's recovery heart ratefrom the exerciser's average work heart rate, and wherein an upper limitof the first target heart rate zone is calculated by subtracting 30% ofthe exerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser's average workheart rate.
 9. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein a lower limit ofa second target heart rate zone of the plurality of target heart ratezones is calculated by subtracting 20% of the exerciser's recovery heartrate from the exerciser's average work heart rate, and wherein an upperlimit of the second target heart rate zone is calculated by subtracting15% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from the exerciser's averagework heart rate.
 10. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein a lowerlimit of a third target heart rate zone of the plurality of target heartrate zones is calculated by subtracting 10% of the exerciser's recoveryheart rate from the exerciser's average work heart rate, and wherein anupper limit of the third target heart rate zone is calculated bysubtracting 5% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from theexerciser's average work heart rate.
 11. The exercise system of claim 1,wherein a lower limit of a fourth target heart rate zone of theplurality of target heart rate zones is calculated by adding 5% of theexerciser's recovery heart rate to the exerciser's average work heartrate, and wherein an upper limit of the fourth target heart rate zone iscalculated by adding 10% of the exerciser's recovery heart rate to theexerciser's average work heart rate.
 12. The exercise system of claim 1,wherein the exerciser's recovery heart rate is the difference betweenthe exerciser's heart rate at the beginning and end of a recoveryportion of a fitness evaluation.
 13. The exercise system of claim 1,wherein the controller generates a series of program workouts using theplurality of target heart rate zones.
 14. The exercise system of claim13, wherein the series of program workouts may be designed to improvethe exerciser's general fitness level, assist the exerciser in weightmanagement, or improve the exerciser's performance in endurance sports.15. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the controller re-evaluatesthe exerciser's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate after apredetermined time period or after the exerciser has performed apredetermined number of workouts.
 16. The exercise system of claim 15,wherein the controller recalculates the target heart rate zones basedupon the exerciser's re-evaluated average work heart rate and recoveryheart rate.
 17. A method for generating and performing exercise programworkouts for individual exercisers, comprising: performing a fitnessevaluation of an exerciser, including determining an average work heartrate and a recovery heart rate for the exerciser; generating a series ofprogram workouts based on a selected exercise program and theexerciser's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate; and runningone or more program workouts from the series of program workouts,including adjusting an operating parameter of an exercise device toincrease or decrease an intensity level of the workout and therebyincrease or decrease the exerciser's heart rate into one of a pluralityof target heart rate zones, wherein each of the plurality of targetheart rate zones is calculated using both the average work heart rateand recovery heart rate of the exerciser.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the fitness evaluation of an exerciser comprises a warm upportion, a work portion, and a recovery portion.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein determining the average work heart rate of the exercisercomprises determining the average heart rate of the exerciser during thework portion of the fitness evaluation.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein determining the recovery heart rate of the exerciser comprisessubtracting the exerciser's heart rate at the end of the recoveryportion from the exerciser's heart rate at the beginning of the recoveryportion.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein generating the series ofprogram workouts comprises calculating lower and upper limits of each ofthe plurality of target heart rate zones.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein calculating the lower and upper limits of each of the pluralityof target heart rate zones comprises adding or subtracting apredetermined percentage of the exerciser's recovery heart rate from theexerciser's average work heart rate.
 23. The method of claim 17, whereingenerating the series of program workouts comprises identifying awork-to-rest ratio associated with the selected exercise program. 24.The method of claim 17, further comprising: performing an updatedfitness evaluation of the exerciser, including determining an updatedaverage work heart rate and an updated recovery heart rate for theexerciser; and calculating updated lower and upper limits for each ofthe plurality of target heart rate zones based on the exerciser'supdated average work heart rate and updated recovery heart rate.
 25. Acomputer program product for implementing within an exercise system amethod for enabling the generation and performance of exercise programworkouts for individual exercisers, the computer program productcomprising one or more computer readable storage media having storedthereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor, cause the exercise system to perform the method, includingthe following: performing a fitness evaluation of an exerciser,including determining an average work heart rate and a recovery heartrate for the exerciser; generating a series of program workouts based ona selected exercise program and the exerciser's average work heart rateand recovery heart rate; and running one or more program workouts fromthe series of program workouts, including adjusting an operatingparameter of an exercise device to increase or decrease an intensitylevel of the workout and thereby increase or decrease the exerciser'sheart rate into one of a plurality of target heart rate zones, whereineach of the plurality of target heart rate zones is calculated usingboth the average work heart rate and recovery heart rate of theexerciser.
 26. The computer program product of claim 25, whereingenerating the series of program workouts comprises identifying awork-to-rest ratio associated with the selected exercise program. 27.The computer program product of claim 25, wherein generating the seriesof program workouts comprises calculating lower and upper limits of eachof the plurality of target heart rate zones.
 28. The computer programproduct of claim 27, wherein calculating the lower and upper limits ofeach of the plurality of target heart rate zones comprises adding orsubtracting a predetermined percentage of the exerciser's recovery heartrate from the exerciser's average work heart rate.
 29. The computerprogram product of claim 28, further comprising: performing an updatedfitness evaluation of the exerciser, including determining an updatedaverage work heart rate and an updated recovery heart rate for theexerciser; and calculating updated lower and upper limits for each ofthe plurality of target heart rate zones based on the exerciser'supdated average work heart rate and updated recovery heart rate.
 30. Anexercise device that generates exercise program workouts for use withthe exercise device, the exercise device comprising: a moveable elementthat is movable during the performance of exercise, the moveable elementhaving one or more adjustable operating parameters; one or moreprocessors; and one or more computer storage devices having storedthereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the oneor more processors: calculate an average work heart rate of anexerciser; calculate a recovery heart rate of the exerciser; calculatelower and upper limits of a plurality of target heart rate zones usingboth the average work heart rate and the recovery heart rate of theexerciser; and based upon a monitored heart rate of the exerciser, causethe one or more adjustable operating parameters of the moveable elementto be adjusted in order to increase or decrease an intensity level of anexercise performed by the exerciser and thereby cause the exerciser'sheart rate to increase or decrease into one of the plurality of targetheart rate zones.